25 Wellness Tips

We spoke to operators to get 25 tips from their successful health and wellness programs.

Incorporate spices, vinegars and herbs: A big thing for us is to lower salt content by using more spices, vinegars and fresh herbs. Cooks are trained to follow recipes, so salt is controlled. We use a lot of basil and tarragon to flavor food instead of salt. Since this is Texas, I’m also really into using hot sauces, which are usually vinegar based, and salsas. Our topping bars always include pico de gallo because it is low in fat and high in flavor. We’ve also replaced heavy sauces with lighter herb- and chili-based sauces in many of our recipes.

—Robert Mayberry, campus executive chef, University of Texas at Austin

City officials are weighing changes to school menus less than one year after earlier changes drew parent criticism. Officials say those menu changes were not final, and an advisory board is suggesting healthier, fresher dishes and a more expansive in-class breakfast program.